8.7.1 Factors influencing diabetes self-management among middle aged Chinese women with type-2 diabetes (380)

Hsiu-Li Wu, PhD Student, School of Nursing, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom and Lecturer, Department of Nursing, Chang Jung Christian University, Taiwan. Co authors: Veronica James & Catrin Evans

Abstract:

Background

In Taiwan, as in other countries, type 2 Diabetes is a major public health problem (DoH, ROC, 2007). Very little is known about how the Taiwanese socio-cultural context affects diabetes self-management. This information is necessary however for Taiwanese nurses who are being called upon to play an increasingly large role in Diabetes care (Adiseshiah, 2005).

Aim

To identify factors contributing to self-management of type 2 diabetes in Taiwan. Methods Adopting a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted in 2006 with 38 women, aged 40-60 years old with type 2 diabetes, purposively selected from a large diabetes centre. This sample was selected from a large diabetes centre and included women whose diabetes (from a medical perspective) was well controlled and poorly controlled. Application of framework analysis yielded a number of key themes (Ritchie & Spencer, 1994).

Findings

For many women, their diabetes diagnosis was marked by profound shock and change in their sense of self. Learning to live with diabetes was an on-going ‘journey’ in which women engaged in a range of strategies to acquire information and support, to find a health care provider they could trust, and to gain a sense of control over their condition. Self-management was found to be highly contingent upon individual life circumstances, and was influenced by a context of social stigma and the need to balance self care alongside maintenance of social gender roles and responsibilities.

Discussion and Conclusions

Nursing assessments need to be more detailed and holistic in order to tailor diabetes care to the specific and complex needs of individual patients.

Biography:

I have over 10 years experience of clinical nursing and administration at senior levels in Taiwanese hospitals. Following completion of a Masters degree from the USA, I worked as an administrator in the National Cheng Kung University hospital. Here, I was responsible for the management of the medical and psychiatric wards, and was in charge of nursing development and education for the whole hospital. Since 1995, I have worked as a lecturer in the Chang Jung Christian University, and was instrumental in establishing its School of Nursing in 1997. In order to advance my career, and the nursing research capacity of my department, I am now studying for a doctoral degree at the University of Nottingham. I undertook a qualitative study investigating the factors that influence diabetes self-management in Taiwan. I am currently writing up my Thesis.